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Moving to Dubai with a Dog or Cat
Every dog or cat entering the United Arab Emirates needs an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), a microchip, a rabies vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, core vaccines, a parasite treatment within 14 days of shipping and an official health certificate. Pets from countries not on the UAE's low-risk list, including the US, Canada, France and Germany, also need a rabies antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Individuals can import at most 2 pets a year.
Requirements at a glance
| Import permit | From MOCCAE before travel; valid 90 days; AED 200 per animal |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Permanent microchip; the number must match the health certificate |
| Rabies vaccine | First dose at 12 weeks or older, valid on arrival |
| Rabies antibody test | Only from high-risk countries (not on the low-risk list, such as the US, Canada, France, Germany): 0.5 IU/ml or more |
| Other vaccines | Dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis. Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus |
| Parasites | Internal and external treatment within 14 days before shipping |
| Minimum age | 12 weeks from low-risk countries, 15 weeks from high-risk countries |
| Limit and breeds | 2 pets per person per year; pit bull types, several mastiffs, Tosa and their mixes banned |
| Plan ahead | At least 1 month from a high-risk country |
Step-by-step timeline
- 1+ month beforeCheck whether your country is on MOCCAE's low-risk list (it includes the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Australia). Microchip, then rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older.
- 21+ days after vaccination (high-risk countries)Blood sample for the rabies antibody test at a lab approved by your government. After a first or lapsed vaccination wait at least 21 days; with a valid booster the sample can be taken straight away. The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or more.
- Before bookingApply for the import permit on the MOCCAE website. MOCCAE says it takes 1 working day and is valid for 90 days. USDA's page says 30 days, so check the date on your permit.
- 14 days beforeInternal and external parasite treatment, recorded on the health certificate or passport.
- Days beforeOfficial health certificate from your government vet service. From the US, USDA says it is valid for 10 days and must be ink-signed and embossed by USDA.
- ArrivalInspection at the port of entry, then the release permit: AED 500 per dog, AED 250 per cat.
Dogs vs cats
Dogs and cats need different core vaccines. Banned dog breeds include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Bully Kutta, Presa Canario and Japanese Tosa. Bengal and Serval cats need a fifth-generation pedigree certificate.
Common mistakes
- Arriving with an expired import permit. Pets with an expired permit are not allowed in.
- Assuming the US or Canada counts as low-risk. Neither is on MOCCAE's list, so an antibody test is needed.
- Booking your pet in the cabin from the US. USDA says pets must travel to the UAE as manifested cargo.
- Importing a banned breed or a mix of one. Non-compliant pets are rejected at the owner's cost or confiscated.
Official source: MOCCAE: import of pets (cats and dogs)
Other destinations
🇪🇺 EU🇬🇧 UK🇺🇸 US🇨🇦 Canada🇯🇵 Japan🇦🇺 Australia🌺 Hawaii🇳🇿 New Zealand🇸🇬 Singapore🇹🇭 Thailand🇵🇭 Philippines🇮🇩 Indonesia & Bali🇲🇽 Mexico🇨🇷 Costa Rica🇮🇪 Ireland🇰🇷 South Korea🇭🇰 Hong Kong🇨🇳 China🇮🇳 India
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog need quarantine in Dubai?
MOCCAE does not list a quarantine. Pets are inspected at the port of entry and released once they match the permit and requirements. Pets that do not comply are rejected at the owner's cost or confiscated.
Does a dog from the UK need a rabies titer test for the UAE?
No. The UK is on MOCCAE's low-risk list, so no antibody test is needed. Dogs from the US, Canada, France and Germany do need one.
How many pets can I bring to the UAE?
Individuals can import at most 2 cats, 2 dogs, or 1 cat and 1 dog per year. Resident pets returning to the UAE are exempt from this limit.
How much does it cost to import a pet to Dubai?
MOCCAE charges AED 200 per animal for the import permit, then AED 500 per dog or AED 250 per cat for the release permit. Airline and vet costs come on top.
Sources
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.